It is far too late for a plea bargain, and this is far too big to be negotiated. Some of the allegations, if we include charges not yet made, are the worst in the league's history and probably in Australian sport's history. They require a full and proper hearing.Hang on - Adelaide negotiated a penalty as well. I take it from that Essendon will be proven cheats if you negotiate a penalty.
The negotiation is a farce.
I'm happy if the AFL say
"On evidence we think you are guilty, we are prepared to penalise you X if you plead guilty for the following charge"
"If however you remain steadfast as to not plead guilty, you then proceed with a hearing and should you be found guilty the penalty is now Y"
This is what should happen. There should be no negotiation.
I'm happy with a reduced penalty for a plea of guilty, that is a fairly standard legal norm.
The "disrepute" charges should be heard and answered, and if guilty punishments meted out.
Should other information require charges relating to actual drug use, further charges should be laid at that time.
I wonder if one of the sticking points could be Essendon and the individuals concerned wanting assurances that no further charges will be laid. The AFL surely could not agree to that at tbis stage.
Trying to sort everything out before finals is mistake in my view. We just need to live with the idea that this year's finals might prove to be tarnished, in order to ensure future years are less likely to be.